Rhonda J. Bass' Obituary
Rhonda J. Bass, 63, of Methuen, MA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at High Pointe House in Haverhill, MA, surrounded by the family she held so dear.
Born in Lawrence, MA, Rhonda grew up in the gritty charm of the Beacon projects in South Lawrence, the only daughter of the late John G. Hatem and Mildred E. (Cotter) Bass.
As the lone sister in a pack of six brothers, she learned early how to stand tall, armed with a quick wit and a heart full of grace.
In 1979, Rhonda graduated Lawrence High School and worked various jobs before becoming pregnant with her first and only child, Cara Maria. Being a mama was Rhonda’s greatest pride. She used this fire to elevate her life for her daughter.
A single mother in her 30s, she enrolled at Northern Essex Community College to embark on her life long dream of becoming a nurse. Through hard work, she earned her degree in nursing with flying colors.
She started a career as a registered nurse at the intensive care unit at Lawrence General Hospital. After many years pouring her heart into her critical care patients, she eventually segued into working as a traveling school nurse caring for special needs children. This final chapter led her to true fulfillment and purpose.
Rhonda’s faith was her anchor—she kept St. Therese close, a quiet strength guiding her through life’s highs and lows. St Therese was her home girl who would always find ways to surprise Rhonda with a rose. Rhonda lived in a fairy tale finding miracles and stories in the most obscure places.
A true lover of all things 1980s, Rhonda lived for the era’s bold vibes—think Earth, Wind and Fire blaring through the stereo, drinks flowing, and late nights dancing in sky high heels. She always left a sparkle wherever she went.
Rhonda was a fashion icon and the hostess with the most. She loved entertaining and hosting gatherings, especially during her favorite holiday, Christmas. A visit with Rhonda would always leave you with a full belly, a cup that would runneth over, and an ear full of wisdom that was anything but sugar coated. “Don’t waste your time, I’m always right,” she’d say with a grin. And to this day, Rhonda has never been wrong. When she wasn’t dazzling guests, Rhonda could be found soaking up the sun at the beach or weaving tales with her gift for storytelling.
Rhonda leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, cherished by her daughter, Cara M. Sorbello, of Haverhill, MA; her brothers, David Bass and his wife, Janet, of Cape Coral, FL, Richard Bass and his wife, Lisa, of Moultonborough, NH, James Bass and his wife, Sue, of Merrimack, NH, John Hatem and his wife, Karen, of Lawrence, MA, and George Hatem, and his wife, Cheryl, of Methuen, MA; her sister-in-law, Lisa Bass, of North Reading, MA; and a wide circle of friends who adored her. She was predeceased by her brother, Patrick Bass, and her longtime companion, Gordon Khalil, whose memory she carried with her.
Her absence will echo, but her spirit—bold, bright, and unapologetic—lives on in every story told, every song played, and every heart she touched.
Family and friends are warmly welcomed to calling hours from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen, MA. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 AM on Friday, April 4, at Our Lady of Good Counsel-St. Theresa’s Parish, 22 Plymouth Street, Methuen. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, N. Lowell Street, Methuen.
In lieu of flowers, Rhonda would have loved for you to honor her by supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to her heart. Donations can be made to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org/donate.
The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bass family.
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